2015 Fox Glacier helicopter crash
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A Eurocopter AS350 similar to the one involved in the incident.
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| Accident summary | |
|---|---|
| Date | 21 November 2015 |
| Summary | Under investigation |
| Site | Fox Glacier, New Zealand |
| Passengers | 6 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Injuries (non-fatal) | 0 |
| Fatalities | 7 (all) |
| Survivors | 0 |
| Aircraft type | Eurocopter AS350 |
| Operator | Alpine Adventures |
| Flight origin | Fox Glacier Airstrip |
| Destination | Fox Glacier Airstrip |
On 21 November 2015, a sightseeing Eurocopter AS350 helicopter, operated by Alpine Adventures, crashed on Fox Glacier in the South Island of New Zealand. All seven people on board died.[1][2]
Accident[edit]
At the time of the crash (about 11am NZDT), it was reported to be heavily overcast and raining. The aircraft crashed into a crevasse approximately 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) up Fox Glacier. [1] According to Alpine Adventures' quality assurance manager, Barry Waterland, the helicopter crashed just after taking of from the glacier at a designated spot called The Chancellor.[3]
The pilot, 28-year-old New Zealand citizen Mitchell Paul Gameren, was described as "experienced" and had over 3,000 hours of flying. He was also a pilot in Malaysia and Botswana.[4] There were six passengers, all tourists, on board, four British and two Australians.[1][5] They were Andrew Virco of Cambridge in England aged 50, Dr Katharine Walker of Cambridge in England aged 51, Nigel Edwin Charlton of Hampshire aged 66, Cynthia Charlton of Hampshire aged 70, Sovannmony Leang of New South Wales aged 27, and Josephine Gibson of New South Wales aged 29.[3]
Recovery operations[edit]
The day following the crash 4 bodies were recovered from the site, but operations were suspended due to worsening weather conditions. The Police announced that a further attempt would be made on Wednesday that week. The area where the helicopter crashed was described as highly treacherous, uneven, and moving ice, with 20-metre crevasses. The blocks of ice were described as bigger than buildings.[3]
Crash investigation[edit]
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) advised that it could take 18 months to complete its investigation into the cause of the crash.[6]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Chopper crash: Tourists 4 Brits, 2 Australians - police". New Zealand Herald. 22 November 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/11/21/uk-newzealand-helicopter-crash-idUKKCN0TA02N20151121
- ^ a b c http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/74293541/helicopter-pilot-made-no-mayday-call-before-fox-glacier-crash Helicopter pilot made no mayday call before crash], Sam Sherwood, Myles Hume, and Joanne Carroll, updated 19:54, November 23 2015 - retrieved 24 November 2014
- ^ "Pictured: Helicopter pilot who died along with four British tourists on New Zealand glacier". Daily Mail. 22 November 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ "Australian victims of Fox Glacier helicopter tragedy in New Zealand named". news.com.au. 22 November 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ May be months before crash enquiry ends, New Zealand Herald, Monday 23 November 2015, retrieved 24 November 2015
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